03/07/2025
Recent measles outbreaks have many families concerned and left with many questions of how this may affect their children. Please keep in mind that most of the people who have gotten sick were NOT vaccinated against measles. Unfortunately, this is a stark reminder of the importance of making sure your children are up-to-date with their immunizations. This is one of the reasons we insist our patients are fully vaccinated and protected.
We are receiving many questions related to the recent measles outbreak. Here are some important facts, regarding the measles and measles vaccine, which you may find helpful. You can always trust us to provide you with accurate and scientific based information to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Please share this post with others who may, also, find this helpful and informative.
*When do children usually get the MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella) vaccine?
The MMR series is two doses of the vaccine
- First dose given at 12 months of age
- Second dose given at 4 years of age
* When would my child need a dose earlier than this?
- If your child is 6-11 months old, they can receive a dose of MMR if you are planning to travel internationally or to an area with a known outbreak of measles. This does not count in the two-dose series because it does not provide long-lasting immunity, but does protect them around the time of the trip
- If your child is under 4 years old and has had their first dose, if you are planning to travel internationally or to an area with a known outbreak of measles, they should receive their second dose of MMR. This dose needs to be at least 4 weeks after their first dose.
* I am not planning to travel anywhere but am worried about my child getting measles. What should I do?
- There is not currently an outbreak of measles in our community, but your Providers, at Goodlettsville Pediatrics and the TN Health Department, are monitoring the situation in the U.S.
- Make sure that your child is up to date on all their vaccinations, including MMR
- If there is an outbreak of measles in our community, then we would follow the recommendations of the TN Health Department and local infectious disease specialists. This often looks like providing an early dose to children 6-11 months old (does not count in the two-dose series) and making sure that children under 4 years of age have both their doses of MMR.
* I am worried about my child being around people who are unvaccinated. What should I do?
- Every family will have to decide what they are most comfortable with socially, as each situation will look different
- If someone has cough, runny nose, fever, or rash and is unvaccinated, then avoiding contact is advisable as it would be in any illness. Any illness with a fever is contagious until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without using fever reducing medications like Tylenol or Motrin.
Is my older, “vaccinated” child still immune from the measles?
- The 2 MMR injections are 97% effective at preventing measles. It is one of THE most effective vaccines. Most healthy adults will not need any further doses/injections.
Talk to your Primary Care Provider if you are concerned about an individual situation. We are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
For further information, we recommend the following sites:
TN Department of Health:
www.tn.gov/health/parents.html
American Academy of Pediatrics:
www.healthychildren.org
www.immunize.org
